NSW fullback Jarryd Hayne is expected to be fully fit for next Wednesday’s second State of Origin in Sydney despite missing a Blues training session yesterday.
Hayne suffered a cork in his leg during Parramatta’s victory over North Queensland last Friday and was rested by medical staff at the NSW pre-Origin camp in Coffs Harbour as a precaution. Man of the match in the opening game, Hayne is arguably the Blues’ most important player as they chase their first series win since 2005.
NSW halfback Trent Hodkinson is backing the former Dally M Medallist to sink Queensland with another big game at ANZ Stadium. “It comes naturally to him,” Hodkinson told Newscorp. “He has been here for a long time and has experienced Origin over many years. He just has to do what he does best. Jarryd showed in game one what he is capable of.”
Meanwhile, Queensland coach Mal Meninga has asked Dave Taylor to step up and deliver on his potential for the Maroons. The Gold Coast second-rower, who has already played six Origins, was called in to replace the injured Corey Parker yesterday and arrived in camp with plenty of pressure on him.
Meninga said Taylor’s past performances for Queensland haven’t been good enough to lock down a spot in the side. “Well, he hasn’t done a job for us in the past to be honest with you,” Meninga told Newscorp. “We expect a bit more out of Dave. He has been playing really good football for his club. He gets a bit of a second sniff and hopefully he is going to grab it.”
